Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... Season 9 Episode 12 Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is one of the biggest movie stars of all time, known for her timeless beauty and unforgettable performances in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady. But behind the glamour and fame, there are secrets and mysteries that have only come to light in recent years. In this episode of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of..., forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd investigates the final days and hours of Audrey Hepburn, using medical evidence and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the events leading up to her death.

The episode begins by introducing Audrey Hepburn as a beloved actress, humanitarian, and style icon, with a legion of fans around the world. But as Dr. Shepherd notes, celebrity status can also be a double-edged sword, with intense pressure and scrutiny taking a toll on one's health and well-being. He explains that Audrey's life was marked by personal challenges, including a difficult childhood during World War II, a failed marriage, and a lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression.

As Dr. Shepherd delves deeper into Audrey's medical history, he discovers that she suffered from a number of physical ailments as well, including a rare form of cancer that had spread to her appendix and stomach. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy, Audrey remained optimistic and continued to work on behalf of UNICEF, traveling to war-torn countries to raise awareness and funding for children in need.

The episode then shifts to the day of Audrey's death, January 20, 1993, when she was found unconscious in her Swiss home by her partner, Robert Wolders. Dr. Shepherd examines the forensic evidence and interviews witnesses who were present at the time, including Audrey's son, Sean Ferrer, and her personal assistant, Edda Van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston, who was also Audrey's half-sister.

Through their accounts, Dr. Shepherd pieces together a timeline of Audrey's final hours, which included a visit from her sons, a phone call with a friend and business partner, and a brief conversation with one of her UNICEF colleagues. He also examines the medical factors that may have contributed to Audrey's sudden collapse, including anemia, malnutrition, and a possible drug overdose. While some theories have been floated about the circumstances surrounding Audrey's death, Dr. Shepherd stays focused on the scientific facts and the potential medical explanations that inform his findings.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Shepherd contextualizes Audrey's life and death within the broader cultural and historical landscape of the late 20th century. He notes that Audrey's role as a UNICEF ambassador helped to humanize the victims of war and famine, and that her legacy as an icon of style and grace endures to this day. But he also acknowledges that Audrey's personal struggles and medical challenges were very real, and that they likely played a role in her untimely death at the age of 63.

In the final moments of the episode, Dr. Shepherd reflects on the lessons that can be learned from Audrey's story, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one's physical and emotional health, and seeking help when needed. He notes that even the most glamorous and talented among us can face hidden struggles and vulnerabilities, and that these challenges should be acknowledged and addressed with compassion and support.

Overall, this episode of Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... provides a detailed and thoughtful examination of Audrey Hepburn's life and death, using medical evidence and eyewitness accounts to shed light on the mysteries and controversies that have surrounded her legacy. By balancing scientific rigor with empathy and insight, Dr. Shepherd does justice to Audrey's memory, while also offering important insights into the human condition.